Beyond Pink Policies and Token Representation

The useful part

Companies proudly publish diversity statistics, institutions organise Women's Day celebrations and social media is filled with messages about empowerment and equality. From the outside, it often appears that the battle for gender equality is gradually being won. Beneath the celebrations and carefully designed campaigns lies a more uncomfortable reality.

How it works

• A young girl may be encouraged to dream, but later be asked how she plans to balance those dreams with marriage and motherhood.
• A young man may be taught that strength means never crying or showing vulnerability.
• Are we truly building an inclusive society, or have we simply become better at appearing inclusive?
• It begins when everyone in that room is heard, respected and given the same opportunity to influence decisions.
• It is much harder to make sure that they are allowed to speak freely once they get there.

What to take from it

For decades, gender has shaped the opportunities available to people, often in ways so deeply embedded in society that we barely notice them anymore. A person whose gender identity does not fit neatly into traditional expectations may have to fight for recognition before they can even begin to fight for opportunity. Sometimes, inequality is created through small assumptions repeated so often that they begin to feel normal.

Example or evidence

• What does it really mean to build a gender inclusive society?

Details worth keeping

We like to believe that we have come a long way. Inclusion begins after the photograph is taken. These are not always dramatic acts of discrimination.